“Take up your sword, then,” cried the Chevalier do Berrol, who wished at any cost to put an end to a scene which, in spite of himself, chilled him with horror.
He advanced toward Pog.
“They first, we afterward,” answered Pog.
“This instant, this instant! Take up your sword!” cried Honorât.
Pog, addressing Pierre des Anbiez, said, in an imperious tone: “Order your second to await the result of your fight with the young captain.”
“Chevalier, I pray you to wait,” said the commander, with resignation.
“Defend your life, murderer!” cried Erebus, rushing upon Pierre des Anbiez with uplifted sword.
“But this is a child!” said the commander, looking at his adversary with a sort of contemptuous compassion.
“Your mother! Your mother!” whispered Pog to Erebus.
“Yes, a child, the child of those whom you have murdered,” cried the unfortunate youth, striking the commander in the face with the breadth of his sword.